“Sampradaya is like a broad river and the bani is a tributary”: Umayalpuram Sivaraman on his 75 years of performance

Sampradaya is like a broad river and the bani is a tributary. It is born out of creativity and sustained when creativity combines with novelty, while based on the core principles. It should be aesthetically beautiful and serve as something new for present and future generations to work upon.I learnt from four great masters: Arupathi … Read more

“Only a tambura can bring in a tranquil aura”: Musicians comment on the convenience and compromise of digital tanpura

The four strings of the tambura that provide sruthi or the basic swara (pitch) for musicians are considered the life force for any melodic exercise. Fixed in jack wood to enhance the naada, yesteryear musicians were stuck to this pitch provider because there were no alternatives. […] While many are comfortable with the electronic gadget … Read more

Flow | Colourful and creative “when life is attuned to a single tune” – Mahatma Gandhi

South Indian conventions (raga names & svara notation): karnATik.com | Guide >> raagam: kuntalavarALiAa: S M1 P D2 N2 D2 S | Av: S N2 D2 P M1 S If a raga1 constitutes more than mere arrangements of notes derived from a given scale, this is due to the mood it evokes in listeners from different backgrounds. This shared experience is … Read more

Audio | “Dedication to her guru, Veena Dhanammal” by Savithri Rajan

In her private LP recording titled “Dedication to her guru, Veena Dhanammal”, Savithri Rajan (1908-91) pays tribute Veena Dhanammal (1867-1937). As a child she was tutored by the legendary singer and composer known as “Tiger” Varadachariar (1876-1950, a disciple of Pattanam Subrahmanya Ayyar). Tips: (1) to automatically play both the sides of the LP-recording, click … Read more

Audio | Live concert by Bhushany Kalyanaraman

Complete live recording of a classical South Indian (Carnatic) vocal recital with announcements for each item Items 1. Mangalavara Ganapate (Varnam) 05:14Raga: Hamsadhvani; Tala: Adi; Composer: Tanjavoor S. Kalyanaraman 2. Sogasuga Mridanga Talamu (Kriti) 11:29Raga: Sriranjani; Tala: Rupakam; Composer: Tyagaraja 3.Taye Tripura Sundari (Kriti) 07:05Raga: Suddhasaveri; Tala: Khanda Chapu; Composer: Periyaswami Tooran 4. Minakshi Memudam (Kriti) … Read more